How to become a...

How to become a security guard

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, security guard employment is going to increase 14 percent by 2018, which is higher than average!

Becoming a security guard can be a thrilling, exciting and rewarding job. But before you apply, there are a few steps you should take to make sure you are eligible.

The basic requirements

You must be at least 18 years old.

Most places will do a background check and require a clean criminal history.

A high school education is preferred but not always required.

Get licensed

Many security jobs will require you to be certified, but getting your security guard license can really set you apart from the competition, especially for the jobs that don’t have the requirement.

The licensing varies from state to state, so your best bet would be to check with your state’s Department of Justice of Bureau of Security for specifics. They will be able to point you in the right direction. Some states will require you to take a class and an exam, while other states include training before you can actually become certified.

The best way to advance in your career as a security guard is to get your license and any supplemental certifications that you can find. This will show employers that you take your job seriously and strive to be the best guard that you can be.

The facts

On average, security guards make over $21,000 per year. Hospital and school guards are typically on the higher end of the pay scale and earn around $26,000 per year.

If you consider yourself to be protective, are always around to lend a hand and you’re interested in a growing field, then becoming a security guard may be just the right fit for you. Have you worked as a security guard before? Tell us about it below!

Related Articles

Kim is a job-search coach for Snagajob! She's a Certified Professional Resume Writer and a Certified Employment Interview Professional. When she's not helping with job searches, she can be found hanging with her hubby, Matt, and puppy, Belle.

no,i have not worked as a security guard , im going for homicide detective and I need to start some where where is the best place to get hired ? , my background is customer service should I still look into that field?

Being a security guard has it’s points, but overall it’s a thankless underpaid Job (the pay can differ per assignment). Will getting a license & certified will help you? You practically need it! If you are just some run of the hill mall cop, you probably hate your job. Work outside roaming one parking lot? Hours of fun
(-_-) feel my enthusiasm. Truth is, the higher paying jobs require experience, licensing, & certifications, clearances (passport, twic, marine clearance, etc). 5 years or so for experience, commissioned license (non-commissioned is low pay in guard work), other security weapon, some have trading requirements clearance (baton, pepper spray, stun gun, hand cuff, flashlight, radio holder and keepers).

Now aim high! Truth is security is only rewarding in hospitals, casinos, federal buildings, and accredited institutions. As a non-commissioned officer you will only find reward in ranking structure in which one of your co-workers becomes corrupt with power and destroys the world… not really but they become a A**. Getting an education In some law related field would help for rank promotion, but getting a business related degree gets you a corporate promotion (which is what you should aim for if you are non-commissioned).

You can’t be lazy. Sure you will find a job where you get paid nothing to do nothing and get mad about it, but do nothing about it, because you are comfortable and willing to complain (mouthful). But this business is all about ambition. Most police officers were security guards, traits pass on. Some people working in the justice system have security experience. Even working loss prevention personnel (well paying job, depending assignment and tenure) use security as a stepping stone. Or you land the greatest director position of all time. But the real money is in commissioned work. Handgun & shotgun certified with experience. The contract work is the best. But do research and find a field to go into.

I really liked what you said about getting the right license to become a security guard. I live in an area that has a high demand for security guards, so I can easily get the job as long as I have the right training. I’m not really sure how to get the right type of license, so it’s good to know that I nee to check with the Department of Justice of Bureau of Security in my state.http://www.royalvictoriasecurity.com/securityguard.htm

Doing security is rewarding work you help people and business alike. It is true security in general pays very low because turnover is very high. People stress out and expect something different then what they see. Businesses know it’s easy to fill a vacancy because so many people are out of work or need to supplement their income. The company does not want to pay more then necessary their theory we’ll get another person soon enough. When a person quits their security job it’s more of a problem for the security guard then security company. They will find a replacement much quicker then the person who quits with out having another job lined up. I’ve done security since 1998